Kings' NBL focus on fixing frail defence

Andrew Gaze and his star-studded Sydney Kings will address defensive breakdowns which marred their opening game loss before their NBL rematch with bogey side Adelaide.

The Kings leaked 29 last quarter points and were outscored 19-2 in the closing minutes, as Adelaide won 94-83 in Sydney on Saturday.

Even the presence of former NBA No.1 draft pick Andrew Bogut, who blocked four shots, couldn't keep the 36ers at bay.

Gaze acknowledged fixing defensive breakdowns was a priority before travelling to Adelaide for Friday's game, with the Kings trying to break a 10-match losing skid against the South Australian side.

"Down the stretch the ease with which they were able to score was a concern," Gaze said.

"They were getting in too deep into the paint, they got too many offensive boards,

"You look at the statistics and there's certain things that are indicative of where you have your problems.

"For us to have only nine turnovers is pretty good, that's very very acceptable.

"They had only three for the game.

"I think that's indicative of the passive approach we had."

With seven newcomers on the roster, Sydney are still learning their defensive structures.

"It's a communication thing," Daniel Kickert, one of the high-profile off-season recruits, said.

"Obviously, defensively there was a lot of breakdowns and they exploited some areas and we didn't make the adjustment quick enough.

"We've basically just got to remember to stick together and we've got these guys (Adelaide) in a week, so we've got to figure it out.

"We had a game in the pre-season against Melbourne United and we were absolutely terrible and we came out the next game and we were a completely different team, so I'm hoping that this is that catalyst for the actual season for us."